by Petra Landon
“Do you believe the rebels would accept outside assistance to overcome some of these shortcomings?”
Saakshi stared at the Commander for a moment, taken aback by his directness.
“I believe they would consider it, but it would depend on the precise offer and what the rebels were expected to provide in return” she responded slowly and thoughtfully.
“The Alliance thanks you, Saakshi neh Merama tik Ulmik pura Bedana, for your time and patience in answering our queries.”
Saakshi acknowledged his words, inexplicably surprised by the way the Commander had rattled off her long Budheya name precisely and without hesitation.
The Commander waited for the door to close behind Saakshi after handing her back into Jolar’s keeping before he turned his attention to the rest of the room.
“I think we can make this work” he declared quietly.
Zoran breathed a silent sigh of relief at the words, able to relax for the first time since he’d set eyes on Saakshi, battered and shivering on the Ketaari Transport.
“The Alliance will assume responsibility for financial support, weapons and any other material support we deem necessary for the Budheya people, while the Hadari’Kor train and guide the Budheya rebels on guerilla techniques, effective tactics and weaponry expertise necessary to their fight against the Ketaari occupation forces. This will be the first phase of this operation. Once substantial numbers of rebels have been trained and their logistics, capabilities and infrastructure strengthened to the point where their strikes against the Imperial Forces on Budheyasta are effective, we will commence the next phase of this operation. The eventual goal is to coordinate strategy with the rebels so that the Empire is forced to fight on two fronts simultaneously” the Commander stated in his precise way.
Zoran had noticed how deliberate and precise the Alliance Commander's speech was, the first and only time he'd met the male at an inaugural event in the Commander’s honor four years ago. In the intervening years, the Commander had picked up a slight intonation in his dialogue delivery, almost as if to match that of the non-enhanced beings from his home world, although the precise and measured speech patterns still persisted. Zoran guessed that this very quality was what made the Commander such a good strategist on the battlefield – able to precisely size up situations, untroubled by emotion, and to process and sort through large amounts of data with a clear goal in mind while computing odds and probabilities at speeds that rivaled a machine. Not for the first time, Zoran wondered whether the Commander felt other emotions or experienced needs like the non-enhanced males of his world.
Zatar exchanged a glance with Nektiyor and his brother before engaging the Alliance Commander on some of the finer points of the strategy Commander Kerovac had just outlined. Both parties were in agreement on the broad principles and guidelines of the operation. Now they would need to hammer out the details and draw up a contract for the Hadari’Kor contingent eager to participate in this mission.
“News of this potentially important and significant partnership will be hard to hide for long. But I would like it to be kept secret for as long as possible” the Alliance Commander directed.
Everyone in the chamber perfectly understood the Alliance Commander's intent. The element of surprise was a very effective weapon if used properly. By all accounts, the Empire did not consider the Budheya people or their resistance a serious threat to their domination of Budheyasta, and it would be to the Alliance’s advantage to let the Imperial Forces continue in this delusion until the rebels were ready to engage the Empire’s forces on Budheyasta. This operation, with its potential for great strategic value in the war against the Empire, was still in its nascent stage. So far, only a broad understanding of the scope of the operation and the division of responsibilities between two of the three stakeholders had been negotiated. The Budheya rebels, a singularly important component in this operation, had not yet been approached for their part in this.
A highly risky and dangerous part of this plan would be the mission to Budheyasta, a world that lay squarely protected behind the Empire’s border security net, deep in Budh-Ketaari Empire space. First would come the journey to make initial contact with the Budheya rebels and eventually, the task of ferrying rebels back and forth from their planet to an Alliance facility for training - both operations would need to be conducted clandestinely under the noses of the Ketaari Imperial Forces. A tricky and dangerous task to accomplish under any circumstances, it would be almost impossible if the Ketaari were forewarned of their arrival or plans. The only way for this ambitious operation to succeed was to focus on training enough rebels quickly to fight an effective guerilla war, while ensuring that no inkling of this plan was leaked to the ears of the Ketaari establishment. Only once all the cogs were in place would the Empire awaken to this new threat to their oppression and colonization of the Budheya.
“We understand the stakes, Alliance Commander” Zatar acknowledged. “The Hadari’Kor will not allow this secret to leak.”
The Hadari’Kor leader waited for Commander Kerovac to acknowledge his words before continuing.
“The priority now is to contact the rebels on Budheyasta and start the process of recruiting them while we hammer out the details between us” Zatar remarked, in his quietly authoritative way. “Eventually, we will need ships to transport and train the rebels in large numbers, and a comparatively low risk means of transporting them to and from Budheyasta.”
“I agree” the Commander acquiesced with alacrity. “Do the Hadari’Kor have any ideas on how to contact the rebels on Budheyasta?”
Zatar glanced at his brother, who they had previously agreed would be responsible for that particular mission.
“The journey to Budheyasta will be the challenge” Zoran spoke up. “Once there, it should be fairly easy to escape detection while we talk to the rebels on the planet. Our information suggests that Budheyasta doesn’t have much surveillance and is protected by minimal Ketaari patrols in space, so if we can slip through the Empire’s border security net undetected, it should be fairly easy to avoid their patrols over Budheyasta space.”
“Our intelligence on Budheyasta’s security measures matches yours” the Alliance Commander acknowledged.
“We have a solution for one of the problems” Zoran continued. “We know of a loophole in their border security net that can be exploited to slip through without being detected. However, once through, we’ll still need to dodge Ketaari patrols on our way to Budheyasta. My team is currently exploring some measures to reduce the risk of detection by their patrols while in their territory.”
The Commander studied Zoran thoughtfully for a moment. “I might have a way for you to avoid detection while in Empire space.”
The Commander turned slightly to face the only non-Alliance representative on his team, the status obvious by the lack of Alliance insignia adorning his person. The two males made eye contact briefly before the Commander turned back to face the Hadari’Kor representatives again.
“What I’m about to disclose to you needs to stay in this room for now.”
Commander Kerovac waited for the Hadari’Kor to acquiesce to his request, which they did after a quick exchange of puzzled glances between themselves.
“I’d like to introduce Star Captain Zh’hir Mu’raat. He is the new Ur’quay Representative to the Alliance. The Ur’quay have changed their stance after centuries of isolation to ally themselves with the Alliance.”
There was an audible gasp in the chamber as the Hadari’Kor stared at the Ur’quay Representative, completely gobsmacked by the Commander’s revelation. The Ur’quay were legends in this part of space, with a reputation across this galaxy as a race of warriors said to possess unique abilities. Rumored to have come from a distant planet on a star system far away, they had romped, explored and fought their way across this quadrant once. The Hadari’Kor, much like others in Quadrant Five, had grown up on stories of the Ur’quay’s legendary exploits, even though no legendary war
rior had been sighted in this part of space for centuries. Like others, they’d believed that the Ur’quay had either never existed except in legend, or had become extinct as a species. Under those circumstances, the Commander’s revelation felt akin to a bombshell. Not only had the Ur’quay leapt out from the pages of legend into their corner of the universe, but they had decided to ally with the Alliance in the civil war consuming Quadrant Five.
“I believe you understand why it is absolutely imperative that this particular bit of news about our new friends be kept under wraps for now” the Alliance commander added quietly.
The three Hadari’Kor couldn’t help but stare at the Star Captain with great curiosity. If the Ur’quay possessed even half the prowess in battle that legend attributed to them, the Alliance had suddenly acquired a huge advantage in their war against the Empire. The other important takeaway from the Alliance Commander’s pithy introduction of the Ur’quay Captain was not lost on Zoran. The Ur’quay had turned their back on Quadrant Five for very different reasons than what was generally speculated. They had not become extinct. Rather, for some inexplicable reason, the explorers and warriors had made the decision to isolate themselves on their far away home world.
The Ur’quay male nodded courteously at the Hadari’Kor in greeting, but did not speak or pull up the hood that hid most of his face. Instead, he turned his attention back to the Alliance Commander and waited patiently for him to continue.
“The Star Captain commands a starship with the ability to cloak itself, although it does need vast resources to generate the energy required to hold the cloak for substantial periods of time” Commander Kerovac explained. “He has offered his ship and services to make first contact with the rebels on Budheyasta. If you can exploit their border security net to slip into Empire space undetected, he will transport you to Budheyasta and back, using the cloak to render the ship invisible when their long-range scanners indicate patrols heading your way. The Alliance will provide the ship with enough energy reserves to allow it to stay cloaked within Empire space.”
It took Zoran mere minutes to ponder the Commander’s words before accepting the offer gratefully. A cloaked ship would give them a decided advantage once in Empire territory. He couldn’t help but exchange a quick and significant glance with his fellow Hadari’Kor. This new partnership between the Ur’quay and the Alliance had far more potential than merely assisting them in making the journey to Budheyasta undetected. If the Ur’quay joined the fray, they could potentially change the balance of power in this corner of space. The kind of support they were willing to provide to their new allies would, of course, determine how much effect they had in the war between the Alliance and the Empire. But for now, the Hadari'Kor were bound by their word to not discuss this news outside the chamber. They’d have to wait for this new partnership to slowly unfold to understand all its implications.
“Zoran of Hadari’Kor” the Alliance Commander drew Zoran’s attention. “A word with you, if you please.”
Zoran excused himself to walk over to the Alliance Commander.
“Do I assume correctly that you intend to use the Budheya girl’s assistance for the initial approach to her rebel comrades?” Commander Kerovac queried.
Zoran nodded briefly in assent. “I’ll pitch the offer of assistance as part of a Hadari’Kor effort. That way, even if it leaks out to the Ketaari, the Alliance will be kept out of it. Once we bring in the rebel leaders for talks, we will reveal the Alliance’s part in the offer. After that, it will be their leaders’ responsibility to keep this pact a secret. Once they’re fully briefed on this ambitious operation, I’m confident that the Budheya will understand the consequences of even a whiff of it being outed to the Ketaari. If the Ketaari know of our plans, it would leave us with no way to get rebels off planet for training, and the resistance with no means to get supplies or ammunition in their fight against Ketaari occupation.”
The Alliance Commander’s electric blue eyes searched Zoran’s face, before allowing a hint of approval to color his impassive expression.
“That is a very good idea” he agreed. “It will reduce the risk of this operation being revealed to the Imperial Forces. But it might cause the Empire to go after the Hadari’Kor if they suspect your assistance to the resistance.”
“They will find it hard to do so, for there is no single entity that represents the Hadari’Kor” Zoran was confident. He had given this matter enough thought. “We’re nomadic mercenaries who travel where the fighting takes us. Some are probably on contract with the Imperial Forces. The only thing that would unite us all was if anyone dared to attack Hadari or Kor. All bets would be off then. We would drop everything to protect our twin home worlds.”
“That is a fair assessment” the Commander murmured thoughtfully. “I do have one concern with this plan.”
Zoran waited patiently for the Commander to explain.
“Your reputation precedes you, Zoran of Hadari’Kor” the Commander said soberly. “I’m confident that in the event of your capture by the Ketaari, nothing would make you reveal any Alliance secrets, whether it be our desire to assist the Budheya rebels or the new pact with the Ur’quay. However, I’m not so sure of the Budheya girl standing up to Ketaari interrogation.”
Zoran stared at the Commander, who gazed back at him evenly.
“She will not be captured by the Ketaari. I give you my word on that” Zoran pledged with calm confidence. He fully intended to make sure that Saakshi never again ran the risk of being captured by the Ketaari. She was now a fugitive of the Empire. The Ketaari would put her to death or worse for her transgressions.
“You will make sure that she’s never in a position to reveal our plans to the Ketaari. I want your word on that” the Commander stated with steely determination.
Zoran contemplated the implacable face of the Alliance Commander. He knew what the other male asked of him, and he understood only too well why. He was being asked to give his word that he would kill Saakshi rather than let her fall into the hands of the Ketaari. The Alliance was interested in assisting the Budheya resistance because a well-armed, well-financed and well-fought counter campaign by the rebels on Budheyasta would effectively open a second battlefront for the Ketaari Imperial Forces, making it easier for the Alliance to defend their territory and inch towards a total victory over a weakened Budh-Ketaari Empire. If the effort also helped the Budheya free themselves and throw off the yoke of the Ketaari, then that would be the cherry on top of the cake. But it was not and would never be the actual cake.
The Commander was looking out for the best interests of the Alliance - that was Kerovac’s mandate, after all. Saakshi was to be considered collateral damage if she happened to get in the way of their plans succeeding. Zoran couldn’t blame the Commander. After all, Zoran had made sure to point out the gains each of the three parties potentially stood to make when he had pitched this unlikely coalition to the Alliance. The rebels stood to gain freedom for their people, the Alliance, the chance to put the Empire on the back foot and the Hadari’Kor, the chance to sign a long-term lucrative contract for their skills while retaining their independence. The Alliance Commander had not agreed to assist the Budheya rebels out of the goodness of his heart but for tactical advantage over the Ketaari in their fight against the Empire. That Zoran had an ulterior motive in this fight, a very personal one, would not sway the Alliance Commander.
“I give you my word” Zoran pledged calmly.
The Commander was essentially asking for the sacrifice of a single Budheya for the greater good, should the occasion ever arise. Zoran could give his word on this because he was going to make damn sure it did not. There was no way Zoran would even contemplate sacrificing this particular Budheya. No power on Hadari or Kor could make Zoran agree to kill his tseriya, not even to keep his word to the Alliance Commander.
“The word of Hadari’Kor is good enough for me” the Commander stated. “Come, let me introduce you to the Star Captain.”
The next morning, Saakshi waited in the Docking Bay of the Juntafeyore with Jolar. Beside them was a small craft with its hatch open. Zoran had been closeted with the Alliance representatives far into the evening yesterday. Saakshi had not had the opportunity to talk privately with him before she'd fallen into a deep restorative sleep – the effect of the medications prescribed by Dr Uish. She had dined with Jolar in the dining chamber on the Juntafeyore. The chamber had been lined with Food Synthesizers very like the Sustenance Pavilions on Keeyor 9, and Jolar had introduced her to a few Hadari’Kor, some of whom she remembered from their patronage of Trader Pik’s. After a pleasant meal, she’d fallen into bed in the chamber allocated to her. The first day awake after three days of healing sleep had completely exhausted her. Unbeknownst to her, the Juntafeyore had set sail while she slept, on its way to a rendezvous with the Ur’quay ship commanded by Star Captain Mu’raat.
The Docking Bay doors slid open and Zoran walked in, accompanied by a Hadari’Kor male she recognized from the conference chamber and the Alliance Commander. The Commander exchanged a few last words with Zoran before exiting the bay after a polite greeting directed at Jolar and Saakshi who waited patiently by the craft. Zoran and the other Hadari’Kor male made their way towards them.
“Saakshi, I'd like to introduce my brother, Zatar” Zoran directed at her.
Saakshi glanced at the other Hadari’Kor male, who she now noted had a faint resemblance to Zoran, although he looked a fair bit older.
“Zatar, this is Saakshi neh Merama tik Ulmik pura Bedana.”
“Greetings” Zatar said courteously. “It is a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you from my brother.”
Saakshi, engaged in returning Zatar's greeting, couldn't help but direct a startled glance at Zoran. Zoran returned her glance with a bland one of his own. Zatar watched the little byplay with interest before exchanging a look with Jolar.